1923 Locomobile 48 Series VIII Sportif

This fully functioning centenarian was built by the Locomobile Company of America in 1923. Locomobile was one of the earliest car manufacturers in the world and began building steam cars in 1899. The company switched to combustion-powered automobiles in 1903, forging a reputation as the producer of the highest quality and most expensive automobiles available - even the crank cases were made of bronze. The onslaught of the Great Depression plus a somewhat antiquated persona resulted in the company closing its doors in 1929.

This car is a Model 48 Sportif, which runs on its original 525 cubic-inch, T-head inline six-cylinder engine with a single updraft carburetor, developing 95 horsepower. The Locomobile was delivered new to John Hewitt who kept the car for a decade, and its second owner, Ralph Wetherby and family, maintained the Locomobile for 72 years. This remains, to this day, in lovely unrestored condition.

John Hewitt of Tacoma, Washington, purchased this Locomobile Model 48 Sportif in late 1923. Upon arriving in Bridgeport, Connecticut, Mr. Hewitt expressed his desire to drive the Sportif back to Washington. Unfortunately, Mr. Hewitt did not know how to drive. To help Mr. Hewitt in his task, the factory hired a chauffeur for Mr. Hewitt. The duo traveled west in the new car, continually getting lost. By the time Mr. Hewitt arrived in Tacoma, he had learned to drive and promptly dropped his chauffeur off at the train station.

By the mid-1920s, Mr. Hewitt owned three Locomobiles, including a limousine and a second Sportif. Mr. Hewitt retained this Sportif for ten years before selling it in 1933 to another Tacoma individual, Mr. Ralph A. Wetherby. It remained in use as the Wetherby family car until 1948, when it was garaged at their home. Around 1970, Mr. Wetherby passed away, and the car was given to his grandson, although it remained in the family garage.

In the mid-2000s, the car came into the care of its next owner, Mr. Herstad. Upon leaving the garage, it left its 72-year ownership and 57-year resting place. The car was immediately brought back to running order.

In 2007, the car was shown at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance and shown in the Preservation class. It was awarded Second in Class. Mr. Herstad retained the Locomobile for roughly six years before it passed to a Northwest collector.

In 2012, the car was offered for sale at the Pebble Beach auction presented by Gooding & Company. The car was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000 and was offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for $192,500, inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2012